skinny jeans at 40

I finally succumbed to this (insert adjective of choice here) style trend. I should probably act my age and stay away from skinny jeans, but I'd rather get creative in ways to embarrass my kids.

Are 40-year-old moms even allowed to wear stylish clothes anymore? My oldest is 14 and has only just begun to decide (on his own) what is cool and what isn't. But, since he's a boy, I'm not sure I'd trust his judgment on my wardrobe - especially since he has a penchant for black and gray.

I clearly remember telling my mother that she could not, under any circumstances, wear certain outfits to my volleyball games in high school. (What a snot I was.) But, that was 25 years ago and of course, nothing much changes when it comes to teenagers and their parents. Sadly, even the styles are coming back around to what I wore back then. (Yikes!)

Now, I feel I need a manual on what to do now that I'm middle-aged. It should include do's and dont's and a list of appropriate stores in which to shop. I need specifics - like "Do cover up your midsection" and "Don't wear mini skirts." I need to know if it's okay to still shop at GAP or if I should focus on American Eagle or Hollister. Or do I need to do my shopping in secret -  online - and never reveal my sources so I don't embarrass some teenage girl when I shop at Target and we're wearing the same t-shirt? (True story.) I felt slightly rebellious and I'm sure she went home and burned the shirt.

Truth be told, the skinny jeans are going to take some getting used to. They are um, a bit form-fitting and I am not accustomed to wearing anything that shows my figure. It's only been recently that I've realized that I don't look so bad for my age. (Another sign I've been a self-deprecating mom for way too long now.) Losing five pounds last spring helped a bit with the whole self-image thing.

So, the skinny jeans are staying on (and unlike the jeans I've become too slim for, they're staying up). I guess they're better than pleated pants or a denim jumper.

I might be a mom, but that doesn't mean I can't look good - even at my age.

protect kara from power tools

So my hubby and oldest son thought it would be a hoot to pull off a surprise birthday party for me when I turned the big 4-0. And they succeeded. I had 25 people pull into the driveway as I was in the middle of canning pickles. (Great timing, and it only flustered me a little. Okay that's a lie. I was a lot flustered.)

The invitations told everyone I like power tools, but power tools don't like me. Guests were instructed to bring something to help protect me. And unfortunately, I have a very creative family.

So, my "protection gear" included a hard hat decorated with puffy paint, a face shield, first aid kits, pain meds, scar ointment, football shoulder pads, roller blading knee and elbow pads, antique hand tools and power tools that don't work and (not pictured) a nut cup.

Why would they do this you ask? Find out here and here. Unfortunately, I do have a love/hate relationship with power tools. Mostly love, but once a while they decide to take it out on me.

So, everyone had their fun with me and someone so kindly snapped a picture. Since I have absolutely no self-respect, I shared it with you. Happy birthday to me. Now, I'm going to go buy myself a router.

caught on camera

I was "supposed" to be the designated photographer at a recent church event in the park, but one prankster snapped a pic of me.

At least it looks like I might have been doing something with the camera. :)

I'm sharing only because I'm hardly ever on the receiving end of the lens and this proves that I do have a sense of humor (he shot this right after I tried to take a picture of him taking a picture of me).